The Farr Side: Kelly Clarkson is a proven hit-making machine

Thursday

Oct 27, 2011 at 12:01 AMOct 27, 2011 at 12:31 PM

I don’t claim to be a know-it-all, but I do know that when Kelly Clarkson slam dunks a guy, it’s gonna be a hit. I know it, you know it and, of course, Mr. Know It All had to see it coming, too. Clarkson is back, and this time she’s even “Stronger” than before.

David T. Farr

I don’t claim to be a know-it-all, but I do know that when Kelly Clarkson slam dunks a guy, it’s gonna be a hit. I know it, you know it and, of course, Mr. Know It All had to see it coming, too. Clarkson is back, and this time she’s even “Stronger” than before.

After several delays and push-backs, Clarkson’s latest CD, “Stronger,” is available. And I couldn’t be happier. After all, she is my favorite Idol.

“Stronger” marks Clarkson’s fifth studio album release in her nine-year career. But it may also be the one that proves her most important, too. It’s available in a 13-song set or as a deluxe version with 17 tracks, and it includes her No. 1 country smash “Don’t You Wanna Stay” with Jason Aldean.

I’ve been a fan from the get-go, so I’ve seen the healthy progression her music has made since her “A Moment Like This” debut single. She knows the secret to making perfect pop music better than most of her contemporaries. Very few artists have enjoyed the kinds of success she has over the last decade. With hits like “Miss Independant,” “Low,” “Breakaway,” “Behind These Hazel Eyes,” “I Do Not Hookup,” “Already Gone” and numerous others, she’s a force to be reckoned with.

As for her slam-dunking — well her hits “Since U Been Gone,” “Walk Away,” and “Never Again” pretty much answer that. She rocks when it comes time to roll.

“Mr. Know It All” is the first single from “Stronger.” It’s a slam dunk, all right. The song cracks the top 10 this week. It follows along the same lines as her other kiss-off anthems, only this one is less in your face — unless you’re the mister she’s referring to. On it, she sings “You like to bring me down, don’t you? Well, I ain’t goin’ down.” Love it!

Kelly’s vocal prowess is stronger than ever, and perhaps most noticeable on “What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger).” This song is a perfect 10 if any Clarkson song ever was. It’s killer guitar riff gets you just like “Since U Been Gone” did. And remember she took home two Grammys for that one!

Clarkson’s delivery is spot on here. Aside from maybe Pink, I don’t believe any other female artist on the scene right now could pack a bigger a punch than Kelly does on this track.

Critics have been quick judge Clarkson, some more critical than others. That fact is she is a hit-making machine with a proven track record.